Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
University policies, procedures, and regulations are formulated to guarantee each student's freedom to learn and to protect the constitutional rights of others. The concept of rights and freedoms, no matter how basic or widely accepted, carries with it corresponding responsibilities. All members of the University community have a responsibility to protect and maintain an academic climate in which the freedom to learn can be enjoyed by all. To this end, certain basic regulations and policies have been developed to govern the behavior of students as members of the University community. Violations of student conduct regulations are handled through Student Conduct located in the Dean of Students Office.
Violations of federal, state, and/or local laws make a student subject to civil or criminal action in addition to disciplinary action by the University. Each student is responsible for knowing UAA policies, procedures, and deadlines. Policies and regulations may be found in the University Catalog, the UAA Student Handbook, and in the Dean of Students Office, located in Rasmuson Hall Room 122.
Student Conduct
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
As with all members of the university community, the university requires students to conduct themselves honestly and responsibly and to respect the rights of others. Students may not engage in behavior that disrupts the learning environment, violates the rights of others or otherwise violates the Student Code of Conduct (Code), university rules, regulations, or procedures. Students and student organizations will be responsible for ensuring that they and their guests comply with the Code while on property owned or controlled by the university or at activities authorized or sponsored by the university.
Sexual and gender-based misconduct is addressed separately in accordance with Regents' Policy and University Regulation 01.04, which provides policies and regulations for the reporting and investigation of alleged sexual and gender-based misconduct. Sanctions for sexual and gender-based misconduct are imposed according to the Student Code of Conduct.
The University may initiate disciplinary action and impose sanctions on any student or student organization found responsible for committing, attempting to commit, or intentionally assisting in the commission of any of the following prohibited forms of conduct:
- Cheating, Plagiarism, or Other Forms of Academic Dishonesty
- Forgery, Falsification, Alteration, or Misuse of Documents, Funds, Property, or Electronic Records
- Damage or Destruction of Property
- Theft of Property or Services
- Harassment
- Discrimination, including sexual or gender-based discrimination, which is addressed in accordance with Regents' Policy and University Regulation 01.04
- Hazing
- Endangerment, Assault, or Infliction of Physical Harm
- Sexual or Gender-based Misconduct (reports of sexual or gender-based misconduct should be made under Regents' Policy 01.04)
- Disruptive or Obstructive Actions
- Mistreatment of Animals
- Misuse of Firearms, Explosives, Weapons, Dangerous Devices, or Dangerous Chemicals
- Failure to Comply with University Directives
- Misuse of Alcohol
- Misuse of Drugs or Other Intoxicants
- Violation of Regents' Policy, University Regulation, or UA Rules or Procedures
- Any Other Actions That Result in Unreasonable Interference with the Learning Environment or the Rights of Others
Examples of each category of prohibited conduct may be found in the full version of the Student Code of Conduct.
HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT
Any university student, faculty, staff member, or community member may report an alleged violation of the Code. Allegations of Code violations must be in writing and submitted to the student conduct administrator in accordance with MAU rules and procedures. Though anonymous complaints are permitted, doing so may limit the university's ability to investigate and respond to a complaint. The University has the right to pursue notice of student misconduct on its own behalf and initiate a student conduct review, regardless of whether or not a formal allegation is submitted by a complainant. Complaints of student misconduct and academic dishonesty may be reported through the form below:
STUDENT CONDUCT REVIEW PROCEDURES
Once a complaint has been received, the designated student conduct administrator will review the allegations and conduct a preliminary investigation. The student conduct administrator reviews and collects information to determine if sufficient information exists to support the accusation. If so, students are notified about the allegations and are invited to participate in a meeting to review the allegations and available information regarding the matter. The administrative review is an opportunity for the students to present relevant information, names of witnesses and/or witness statements, relevant explanations, and/or mitigating factors for the alleged violation. Findings from the review are based on the information contained in university reports, any information students choose to share, and information gathered during the investigation of allegations. if students are found responsible for violating the Code, they may be assigned educational sanctions. Students are provided the opportunity to appeal cases where they are found responsible.
MISSION STATEMENT
As a central function of the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct promotes a safe campus environment by educating students about their freedoms, rights, and responsibilities. Student Conduct engages students in a developmental process to help them understand the impact of their behavior on themselves and the UAA community.
PURPOSE
The purpose of Student Conduct is to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to learn in a safe environment free from disruption. Student Conduct addresses student behavior to help students learn ethical decision-making skills. Student Conduct educates students about alcohol, drugs, personal wellness and safety to encourage them to make good choices that will positively influence their well-being and academic success.
TENETS
In shaping the nature of the student disciplinary process, Student Conduct strives:
- To regard each student as an individual, deserving individual attention, consideration and respect
- To consider the facts fully and carefully before resolving any case
- To speak candidly and honestly to each student
- To hold each student to a high standard of behavior, both to protect the campus community, and to promote student moral development
- To recognize the reality of human fallibility, as well as the stresses associated with collegiate life, and to demonstrate compassion, understanding, and a sense of humor
- To contribute to the educational mission of the University by designating policies, conducting programs, and offering instruction that contributes to the positive development of the entire student body